Talk to Us About Joining WeST

Discover how joining WeST could support your school, your pupils, your staff and your community.

Our Schools

WeST schools are located across Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall, spanning primary, secondary and sixth form provision. We are a growing Trust and welcome enquiries from schools interested in exploring becoming part of Westcountry Schools Trust.

Our Shared Purpose 

Our mission is to empower all children and young people to positively impact society. Our vision is for every child to achieve in a great school.

We pursue academic excellence alongside inclusion, character and wellbeing. We believe schools have a vital civic role as well as an educational one, and that strong outcomes are sustained when families, communities and schools work together with shared responsibility and trust, with schools acting as anchor institutions in their communities.

Benefits for Schools

WeST is focused on developing strong, sustainable clusters of schools in areas where we already have a presence.

Clusters, typically three to five schools of the same phase enable schools to collaborate closely to deliver an excellent education for pupils in their community. Working in clusters provides opportunities for school-to-school support, shared experiences for pupils, the sharing of effective practice, and efficiencies across the group.

All WeST schools benefit from additional support from our central teams. Alongside experienced education leaders and subject specialists, our central services provide expertise in finance, HR, estates, data protection, IT, governance and communications. This allows school leaders to focus on what matters most: delivering a great education where every child achieves.

Enquiries about joining WeST are treated in confidence. Following an initial conversation, we will work with you to explore whether WeST is the right fit for your school and support you throughout the exploration, decision-making and communication process.

Reflections on Joining Westcountry Schools Trust as a New Headteacher

Since joining Westcountry Schools Trust, I have been deeply struck by the genuine sense of community, shared purpose, and moral commitment that underpins every interaction. From my earliest conversations prior to appointment, it was clear that WeST is a Trust where compassion and integrity are not simply stated values but lived behaviours. The openness, humility, and authentic interest shown in me as a leader, and in our school as a unique community, set a strong foundation for trust and partnership.

One of the most immediate and reassuring experiences has been the collaborative way in which WeST supports school leaders. The Trust’s shared services and central teams work with clarity and professionalism to reduce unnecessary operational pressures, allowing headteachers to focus on what matters most: high‑quality teaching and learning, staff wellbeing, and the long‑term aspirations of children and young people. This practical support reflects a deep understanding of leadership and a compassionate recognition of the demands placed on schools.

The Trust’s commitment to collaboration has been particularly evident in the relationships established early on. Colleagues across WeST have been proactive, visible, and generous with their expertise, ensuring that support is accessible and rooted in partnership rather than prescription. There is a strong sense that every school is both a giver and a receiver of support, an embodiment of WeST’s belief that we are stronger together and collectively responsible for the success of all children across the Trust. 

What has stood out most is the Trust’s aspirational culture. High expectations are consistently modelled, alongside encouragement, professional trust, and an unwavering focus on continuous improvement. Decisions are made transparently, with integrity and with children’s best interests firmly at the centre. This creates a climate where leaders feel both challenged and supported, confident to innovate while remaining aligned to a shared moral purpose.

Being part of Westcountry Schools Trust has already been a positive and affirming experience. It is a Trust that honours individuality while uniting schools through shared values, ethical leadership, and a deep belief in education’s power to change lives. I feel proud to be part of such a collaborative and values‑driven community and look forward to learning, contributing, and growing alongside colleagues across WeST.

Having worked in Local Authority schools, private boarding and day schools, and other academy trusts, I bring a broad perspective to my leadership. It is therefore with confidence that I can say WeST’s model of collaboration and school improvement is the most authentic and supportive framework I have encountered.

Contact Us in Confidence

For more information and to arrange an initial conversation, please contact Cassie O’Neill at coneill@westst.org.uk